NY2627 : Path on Little Man

Skiddaw Little Man

865m Elevation
61m Prominence
England Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

NY2627 : Path on Little Man

Steven Brown Photo source

Overview

Skiddaw Little Man

Skiddaw Little Man, standing proudly at 930 meters, is a delightful diversion in the esteemed Lake District. This Marilyn is not just a ‘little’ sibling of the towering Skiddaw, but an engaging ascent for hikers looking to enjoy breathtaking views without the heftier climb.

Geology

The geology of Skiddaw Little Man is fascinating, featuring Skiddaw Slate that hails from the Ordovician period. This rugged terrain may make it sound like a tough customer, but it is a joy to traverse for those who come prepared.

Routes

One of the most popular routes to ascend is the Lonscale Fell Route, coming in at 4.5 km round trip. This moderate hike will take you approximately 2.5 hours, depending on your pace (and how often you pause to appreciate the blue skies!).

Summit Features

At the summit, a modest cairn marks your achievement. As you turn around, the vistas are nothing short of stunning. Take a moment, catch your breath, and feast your eyes on the surrounding peaks, including the lofty Skiddaw and Grisedale Pike.

Terrain Type

Prepare for a mix of grassy slopes and rocky patches, creating a varied trekking experience. The gentle inclines lead safely to the summit.

Views

From the top, there's no shortage of jaw-dropping landscapes, including a panoramic view of the fells and even glimpses of the Irish Sea! For the best views, aim for late spring or early autumn when the visibility is at its peak.

Hazards

Be mindful of the wet paths that may make your journey slippery, especially after a good rain. Also, be aware of wind exposure near the top—no one wants to be blown off their feet while ogling the views!

Access

The nearest car park is Lonscale Fell, comfortably hosting about 20 cars. Public transport is reliable, with regular buses running from Keswick, the quaint town that serves as your starting point for adventures in the Lake District.

Facilities

After your trek, refresh yourself at one of the many cafes or pubs in Keswick. A trip wouldn’t be complete without a well-deserved slice of cake!

History

The name 'Skiddaw' is thought to come from the Old Norse for 'shining,' which is fitting, as the peak does shine against the skyline on sunny days. Historically, this area has been a respected site for centuries, gaining particular popularity during the Victorian era, when hikers started exploring the profound beauty of the Lake District.

In summary, Skiddaw Little Man packs a punch in beauty and accessibility, making it a must-visit in the United Kingdom's stunning Lake District!

Explore routes near Skiddaw Little Man

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Whinlatter dark skies walk

View route

Whinlatter dark skies walk

View route

Mungrisdale Common and Bowscale Fell from Mosedale Valley Wainwright

13.4 km ~6h Hard

View route

Binsey from Binsey Lodge Direct Out and Back Wainwright

2.4 km ~1h 30m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Lonscale Fell Route

A popular route starting from the Lonscale Fell car park, winding up through heather and rocky terrain with stunning views.

4.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Simm Hewitt Nuttall Wainwright Birkett High Hills of Britain Synge Fellranger

Elevation

865m

2,838 ft

Prominence

61m

Coordinates

54.6399, -3.1376

NY266277

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL4S

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a small cairn and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Lakeland peaks and up to the Solway Firth.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with some rocky patches primarily gentle slopes leading to the summit.

Skiddaw Little Man is primarily composed of Skiddaw Slate, a type of mudstone that dates back to the Ordovician period. These ancient rocks give way to the spectacular scenery found in this part of the Lake District.

Views & Scenery

Visible from the summit are the mighty Skiddaw, Blencathra, and even the Irish Sea on a clear day.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Skiddaw' is believed to derive from the Old Norse 'Skiga' meaning 'shining,' possibly referring to the way the mountain glimmers on sunny days.

Historical Significance

Skiddaw Little Man is often seen as a stepping stone for hikers looking to tackle the larger Skiddaw and has been a popular walking destination since the Victorian era.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Lonscale Fell car park, which is the main starting point for the ascent. It accommodates approximately 20 cars.

Public Transport

Regular bus services from Keswick to the surrounding area, with the nearest stop about 1 km from the car park.

Nearby Facilities

In Keswick, several cafes, pubs, and toilets are available. The George Hotel is a good spot for refreshments after your hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Wet and slippery paths, particularly after rain; consider wind exposure near the summit.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Skiddaw Little Man?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Skiddaw Little Man through the maps

Are there other walkers around Skiddaw Little Man?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Skiddaw Little Man search or of course create your own walk for Skiddaw Little Man

Can I organise a walk to Skiddaw Little Man?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Skiddaw Little Man.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Skiddaw Little Man?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Skiddaw Little Man here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Skiddaw Little Man location map

Grid reference: NY266277

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Skiddaw

Skiddaw

930m

 Blencathra - Hallsfell Top

Blencathra - Hallsfell Top

868m

Grisedale Pike

790m

Crag Hill [Eel Crag]

839m

Fleetwith Pike

649m
See 5 more nearby hills